MANILA: Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas seeks to become the next Filipino world boxing champion when he challenges International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight champion McJoe Arroyo onSeptember 3 at the Strike Revilla Coliseum in Bacoor, Cavite, according to a media report.
Ancajas, 24, reportedly said he is very happy to find out that the world title fight would finally happen after a series of delay because of Arroyo’s hand injury. The Manny Pacquiao (MP) Promotion handling Ancajas said that the pug is presently at 90 percent fighting condition.
“At last, the opportunity to be a world champion is now here. I sparred a lot and trained for five months. I’m ready to fight him,” Ancajas, who holds a 24-1-1 win-loss-draw record with 16 knockouts, was quoted as saying by Manila Times.
“This is also a great opportunity [for me] because there are many Filipino world class fighters here who can’t fight in their home turf due to lack of promotion and venue. Some of them need to fly abroad to fight in a world title bout,” Ancajas said.
“I will do whatever it takes to win in front of my fellow Filipinos. I’m thankful to the MP promotion,” added the Panabo, Davao del Norte native.
Ancajas’ manager and trainer Joven Jimenez said in a separate interview that the camp of Arroyo would arrive in Manila seven days before the fight. “I think he (Arroyo) is not afraid to fight here,” he was quoted as saying.
“Our training is in Tanay, Rizal. Great place for high-altitude training,” he added.
The Puerto Rican Arroyo is undefeated in 17 bouts with eight knockouts. Arroyo scored a 10th round technical decision victory over Filipino King Arthur Villanueva on July 18, 2015 at the Don Haskins Convention Center in El Paso, Texas for the vacant IBF super flyweight belt.
The Philippines currently has four world boxing champions namely WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes, World Boxing Council bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales, IBF flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero and WBO super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr, reported Manila Times.
